For over a decade, current sixth-grade teacher, Mr. Brubaker, has been the mastermind behind an event that students eagerly anticipate every year on campus. On a typical  Friday in October, Brubaker works to transform the school’s gym into a memorable experience for the entire school, all thanks to his incredible haunted maze.

Creating this unique maze every 365 days is no easy task. With all the props, special effects, and decorations, Brubaker and his team work to find new ways to make it different and scary each time, all while sticking to a strict school budget. It’s a creative challenge that he tackles with enthusiasm every year.

“The principals – first it was Mrs. Lyon, then Mr. Apodaca, then Mr. Zajicek, and now Mrs. Vanderlaan – have all given me a budget. I spend whatever number they give me each year to put towards it,” said Mr. Brubaker.

Putting on the maze takes no shortage of time and effort, often requiring Brubaker to be out of his classroom for hours at a time.

“It’s sometimes hard, because I feel like I am wearing two different hats, and I’m doing two different jobs,” Mr. Brubaker said.

While the event is largely Brubaker’s creation, he doesn’t work alone. He gets plenty of help from his daughter, Hannah, fellow sixth grade teacher Mrs. Harris, and students in Mrs. Kaneshina’s leadership program. They are all a big part of making the yearly indoor maze a huge success.

“My MVP helpers are Mrs. Kris Andrews, and Hannah Brubaker. I could not do the maze without those two people,” said Mr. Brubaker.

Over the last 10 years, Mr. Brubaker has made many improvements to the maze, always attempting to make it more fun and engaging. One of his biggest changes has been the use of new technology to enhance the jump scares.

“I did not plan as much as I do now; I didn’t keep track of stuff as much as I do now,” said Mr. Brubaker. “We’ve used lots of pool noodles in very interesting ways. There are so many things we have done over the years on a low budget,” Hannah said.

Despite his success, Mr. Brubaker certainly feels the stress of putting on such a big event every calendar year. With all the work involved, he’ll one day decide that it is time to pass on the tradition to someone new.

“I would love to [pass it on]; at some point I will retire. And they are going to have to hand it on. Now, if I’m retired would I come back and volunteer? Of course I would. But at some point, somebody is going to have to. It’s a lot of work. So, whoever it is, good luck! We’ll see what happens,”  said Mr. Brubaker.

In the end, his hard work always pays off. Brubaker loves seeing the students’ faces as they scream and laugh their way through his maze. It’s a fun and engaging event that draws the whole school together.

“The Halloween maze gives kids one of the best memories in middle school. And if they get a little scared and have fun at the same time, then I am thrilled. Usually, at the end of the year when people ask, what was your favorite activity throughout the school year? the maze is usually one of the top ones they talk about. So that makes me feel good and that I am doing something right,” Mr. Brubaker said.

This story was originally published on The Day Creek Howl on October 25, 2025.